Golfer’s Elbow Pain? Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy Offers Relief
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, causes nagging pain on the inner side of your elbow.
It’s common in golfers (hence the name) but also affects others who repeatedly use their wrist and forearm muscles.
If rest, ice, and stretching aren’t enough, low intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) might be your solution. LiSWT uses gentle sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the elbow’s tendons. It’s non-invasive and often provides long-lasting pain relief.
Who Gets Golfer’s Elbow?
- Golfers
- Tennis players
- Weightlifters
- Manual laborers (carpenters, plumbers, etc.)
- Anyone with repetitive wrist and forearm movements
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow:
- Pain: Aching or burning pain on the inside of the elbow.
- Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch on the inside of the elbow.
- Weakness: Difficulty gripping or lifting objects.
- Numbness or tingling: Sensation in the forearm or hand.
Causes of Golfer’s Elbow:
- Overuse: Repetitive movements, such as those involved in sports like tennis, golf, or baseball, can strain the tendons.
- Improper form: Incorrect technique or equipment can contribute to the condition.
- Job-related activities: Occupations that involve repetitive hand movements can increase the risk.
Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Applying ice to the elbow to reduce inflammation.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility.
- Corticosteroid injections: In severe cases, injections of corticosteroids may be used to reduce
- inflammation.
Prevention of Golfer’s Elbow:
- Proper technique: Ensure correct form when participating in activities that involve elbow movements.
- Warm-up and cool-down: Proper warm-up and cool-down exercises can help prevent injuries.
- Rest and recovery: Avoid overexertion and allow adequate time for rest and recovery.
Tired of Elbow Pain?
Don’t let golfer’s elbow keep you from your activities. Ask your doctor or physical therapist about low intensity shockwave therapy. It could be the key to getting back in the swing of things.